Mattress Disposal Knoxville TN: City Pickup, Drop-Off & Renter Rules

Item: Mattress and box spring (twin, full, queen, king) Jurisdiction: Knoxville city limits only Official source: City of Knoxville Waste and Resources Management Last verified: July 2026

Quick Answer

Knoxville directs waste questions through 311 or 865-215-4311. If you live inside city limits, start here — 311 can tell you whether your address qualifies for bulky-item pickup, how to schedule it, and what it costs. If pickup is not available or you need faster disposal, the City of Knoxville Solid Waste Facility may accept mattress drop-offs.

However, the official waste hub (knoxvilletn.gov) does not publish a mattress-specific fee, pickup window, appointment rule, or facility acceptance list — you must call ahead. If you rent, check with your property manager first; city pickup may not apply to your unit.

Call 311 or 865-215-4311 before you move anything.

Quick Facts

Eligibility — Which Route Fits Your Situation

Jurisdiction Warning

Knoxville city limits and Knox County are not the same. If your address falls outside the municipal boundary, the city pickup route and Solid Waste Facility described here may not apply. Knox County runs its own system with different facilities and rules. Use the city GIS map or call 311 to confirm your address before planning disposal.

City Pickup Route

The official Waste and Resources Management page routes all waste questions through 311 or 865-215-4311. The page links to separate pages for garbage, recycling, yard waste, and the Solid Waste Facility. What it does not publish:

• Whether a mattress qualifies as bulky waste for curbside pickup
• Whether bulky pickup requires a scheduled appointment or happens on collection day
• Whether a sticker, tag, or permit is needed
• Whether there is a per-item fee
• How far in advance to schedule
• Whether there is a limit on items per pickup

Because none of this is online, your only reliable path is to call.

Phone Script for 311

When you call 311 (or 865-215-4311), ask:

1. Confirm eligibility: "Is my address eligible for curbside bulky-item pickup?"
2. Mattress classification: "Does the city count a mattress as bulky waste or another category?"
3. Scheduling: "Do I need to schedule a special pickup, or is it collected on my regular trash day? How far in advance?"
4. Fees: "Is there a fee? Per item or by weight?"
5. Prep rules: "Must the mattress be wrapped in plastic, taped, or tagged? Are box springs handled the same?"
6. Set-out: "When should I put the mattress at the curb?"
7. Quantity limits: "How many mattresses or box springs per pickup?"

Write down the answers and the name of the person you spoke to.

If 311 tells you pickup is not available, not scheduled soon, or costs more than expected, the Solid Waste Facility drop-off is your alternative. Do not set the mattress out without confirmed pickup — illegal dumping rules apply.

Solid Waste Facility Drop-Off

The city operates a Solid Waste Facility for residential waste. The official hub links to a sub-page that does not specify:

• Street address
• Residential drop-off hours
• Whether mattresses are accepted
• Fee structure (per item, by weight, or free)
• Whether proof of Knoxville residency is required
• Payment methods accepted

You must call before you haul.

Phone Script for the Facility

Ask these questions (get the direct number from the waste hub or 311):

• "Do you accept household mattresses and box springs?"
• "What is the fee — per item or by weight? Are box springs the same price? What payment do you accept?"
• "Do I need proof I live inside Knoxville city limits? What counts — driver's license or utility bill?"
• "Do I need an appointment for residential drop-off?"
• "What are current drop-off hours? Do they change by season?"
• "Is there a limit on the number of mattresses per trip?"
• "Do you accept wet, moldy, or infested mattresses? If not, how should I handle those?"
• "Are there vehicle restrictions for residential drop-offs?"

If the facility does not take mattresses or the fee is too high, alternatives include retail take-back programs (if replacing the mattress), junk-removal services, or private haulers. Verify cost and acceptance before committing to any third party.

Fees and Appointment Uncertainty — What Is Not Published

The City of Knoxville does not publish the following on its waste hub:

• No mattress-specific fee schedule
• No per-item or weight-based pricing for the Solid Waste Facility
• No appointment requirement (stated or ruled out)
• No bulky-item pickup schedule or window
• No mattress bagging or tagging rule

You cannot plan your disposal entirely from the website. You will need at least one phone call, possibly two if comparing pickup vs. drop-off.

Questions to Ask During Your Call

1. Is a mattress accepted at the Solid Waste Facility?
2. What is the fee — per item or by weight?
3. Is proof of Knoxville residency required?
4. Do I need an appointment for drop-off?
5. Is there a limit per trip?
6. Are box springs accepted — same fee or different?

Apartment and Renter Rules

If you rent, the rules above may not apply — even at a Knoxville city-limit address.

Why City Pickup May Not Apply

In most multi-family properties, waste service is handled by the property owner or a contracted private hauler, not by the City of Knoxville. This means:

• City bulky-item pickup is generally not available to individual tenants
• Placing a mattress next to a dumpster or in a common area without permission can result in lease violations or fines
• The property may already have a bulk-waste system — ask before acting

What Renters Should Do

1. Contact your property manager in writing (email is best). Ask: "How do residents dispose of large bulky items like a mattress? Is there a bulk-waste day or a contractor I should call?"
2. If the complex has a bulk-waste program, follow their instructions exactly. Some have one pickup per quarter; others require you to arrange separate hauling.
3. If the manager refers you to the city, ask them to confirm in writing that your unit is on the city waste contract, then verify independently with 311.
4. Do not place a mattress next to a dumpster without explicit management approval. Even if other tenants have done it, it violates most commercial waste contracts and the fine may pass to you.
5. If the property offers no bulk disposal, options include: junk-removal service, renting a truck for a Solid Waste Facility drop-off (confirm first), or retail take-back if you are replacing the mattress.

HOA and Private Hauler Note

Some Knoxville neighborhoods — particularly newer subdivisions and gated communities — are served by private haulers or HOA-managed waste contracts. City waste service is not guaranteed even inside city limits.

How to Check

• Look at your most recent waste bill. If it comes from a company name (Waste Connections, Republic Services, etc.) rather than the City of Knoxville, you are on private service.
• Check your HOA covenants. Many HOAs negotiate community-wide waste contracts.
• If buying a home in a new subdivision, ask the seller or agent which hauler serves the property.

What to Do With a Private Hauler

Call the hauler using the number on your bill. Ask:

• "Does your residential service include bulky-item mattress pickup?"
• "Is there an extra fee?"
• "Do you require advance scheduling?"
• "Are there preparation rules (bagging, wrapping, set-out location)?"

Do not assume the hauler's rules match the city's.

Mattress Preparation and Set-Out Rules

The City of Knoxville does not publish specific prep rules, so the guidance below represents common municipal requirements. Verify when you call.

Bagging or Wrapping

• Many cities require mattresses to be wrapped in plastic before curbside pickup (primarily for bed-bug and health reasons). If Knoxville has this rule, an unwrapped mattress may be left behind.
• Mattress bags cost $5–$15 at hardware stores and online for up to king size.
• If using facility drop-off, wrapping may not be required — ask when you call.

Box Springs

• Usually treated the same as mattresses. Some facilities charge separately per piece. Always mention the box spring when calling for pricing.

Set-Out Rules for Curbside Pickup

• Place the mattress at the curb only on the instructed day and time. Some cities fine for early set-out of bulky items.
• Do not block sidewalks, mailboxes, driveways, or storm drains.
• If rain is forecast and the mattress is unwrapped, check whether the city will still collect a wet mattress.

Condition of the Mattress

• Clean and dry: Standard handling.
• Wet or moldy: Disclose when calling. The facility may reject it. If rejected, do not abandon it — see the safety section.
• Bed bugs or infestation: Changes everything. Seal the mattress completely in a heavy-duty bag or plastic sheeting. Do not transport an infested mattress in a personal vehicle without full containment. Call ahead and ask about special procedures.

Safety and Contamination Warning

Transporting a Mattress Safely

• If a mattress is wet, moldy, or visibly infested, do not load it into a personal vehicle without protection. Mold spores and bed bugs can spread to your car's interior.
• Wear gloves, long sleeves, and a mask. For wet or moldy mattresses, consider an N95 respirator or better.
• Seal in heavy-duty plastic before moving through your home or loading.

If Your Mattress Is Rejected

• Do not abandon it. Leaving a mattress on the curb, in a parking lot, next to a dumpster, or in a ditch is illegal dumping. Knoxville enforces this with significant fines.
• Call 311 and explain the situation. They may direct you to a special handling option or recommend a licensed junk-removal service.
• If you have no immediate route, containment and temporary storage are your only legal options while you find a solution.

Commercial Loads

This guide covers residential disposal only. Property managers, contractors renovating multiple units, and businesses should contact the Solid Waste Facility or a licensed commercial hauler for different pricing and facilities.

When to Call Before Hauling — Decision Tree

Contact numbers: - City services: 311 or 865-215-4311 - Solid Waste Facility: get the direct number from the waste hub page or ask 311 — it is not published directly on the sub-page

Official Verification Checklist

1. Confirm your address is inside Knoxville city limits. Use the city GIS map or call 311. Outside city limits? Contact Knox County Solid Waste instead.
2. Decide: pickup or drop-off? Pickup is more convenient but may have a wait. Drop-off is faster but you must transport the mattress.
3. If pickup: call 311. Ask about eligibility, scheduling, fee, prep, set-out rules, and box springs. Note the date and answers.
4. If drop-off: call the Solid Waste Facility. Ask about mattress and box spring acceptance, fee, hours, residency proof, appointment, and condition restrictions.
5. If renting: email your property manager. Ask how bulk disposal works and whether city or private service covers your unit. Get the answer in writing.
6. If HOA or private bill: call your hauler directly. Do not assume city rules apply.
7. Prepare the mattress. Bag or wrap if required. If infested, seal completely. Wear protective gear.
8. Set out or transport per instructions. Curbside: place only as directed. Drop-off: secure the load and bring ID if required.
9. When in doubt, call 311 first. They are the central routing point for all Knoxville waste questions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does the City of Knoxville pick up mattresses for free?

The official hub does not publish a fee. Call 311 to ask about charges. Do not assume free pickup.

Can I drop off a mattress without an appointment?

The Solid Waste Facility page does not say. Call ahead and ask. If no appointment is needed, confirm hours and vehicle restrictions.

What if I live in Knox County but not Knoxville city limits?

This guide covers city limits only. Contact Knox County Solid Waste for different facilities and rules.

My apartment complex says they do not handle mattress disposal. What can I do?

Options: (a) hire a junk-removal service — get a quote and verify legal disposal; (b) if you have a vehicle, use the Solid Waste Facility (confirm first); (c) if replacing the mattress, ask the retailer about old-mattress removal (usually $20–$50). Do not leave the mattress on the property without permission.

Does the city pick up box springs?

Typically yes, but Knoxville's rules are not published. Ask 311 specifically about box spring pickup and pricing.

Can I put a mattress in my apartment dumpster?

Generally no. Apartment dumpsters are for everyday trash. Placing a mattress inside or next to a dumpster can result in a fine passed to you. Get management approval first.

What counts as infested for disposal purposes?

Visible bed bugs, fleas, roaches, or significant mold. Disclose this when calling — it may affect fees, acceptance, and preparation rules. Do not hide infestation; facilities can spot it and may reject the entire load.

Will a retailer take my old mattress when I buy a new one?

Many offer old-mattress removal as an add-on ($20–$50 is typical). Ask at the point of sale. This option is usually not available if you are not buying a new mattress.

Is it legal to haul a mattress in a pickup without tying it down?

Tennessee law requires loads to be secured. An unsecured mattress can shift or fall, creating a road hazard. Use ratchet straps or rope.

What is the fine for illegal dumping in Knoxville?

Fines vary. Look up the current municipal code on the city website or ask 311. Regardless of the amount, fines are avoidable — verify your route before leaving any mattress out.

Sources

1. City of Knoxville Waste and Resources Management — knoxvilletn.gov waste hub with 311 contact, garbage, recycling, yard waste, and Solid Waste Facility links.
   https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management

2. Solid Waste Facility sub-page — Linked from the waste hub; navigate from the main waste page for facility information.
   https://www.knoxvilletn.gov/government/city_departments_offices/public_service/waste_and_resources_management?sub=solid-waste-facility

Verify before acting: The city's waste hub does not publish mattress-specific fees, pickup schedules, appointment rules, or facility acceptance. Always call 311 or the Solid Waste Facility directly to confirm current policies. Pricing, hours, and rules change — this guide was last verified July 2026.

Published by Disposal Manual — independent guide for Knoxville residents. Not affiliated with the City of Knoxville.